In Connecticut, the offense of driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs is referred to as “Operating Under the Influence” or OUI. In many other states OUI is called DUI or DWI. Texas and New York for example, call it DWI while California and Arizona call it DUI.
If you’re licensed in Connecticut and convicted of OUI, you will face a driver license suspension, jail time, community service, probation, and a mandatory Ignition Interlock Device (IID) requirement under Connecticut’s OUI laws. But what if you are arrested and convicted of DUI or DWI in a different state? Will you face penalties in Connecticut?
Driver License Compact
Will the out of state DUI impact your Connecticut driver license? More than likely, it will because of the Driver License Compact. The Driver License Compact is an interstate contact used by the majority of states to share information with each other about moving violations and license suspensions from non-residents. Because of the Compact, member states forward license suspension and traffic violation information about non-residents to their home states.
The Compact’s theme is One Driver, One License, One Record. So, if a Connecticut resident is arrested for DUI while driving in another state, how will the out of state DUI affect their Connecticut driver license? Under C.G.S.A. Sections 14-111c, Connecticut would treat the DUI conviction as if it occurred in Connecticut, applying our laws to the out of state DUI. For a first offense, the action would include:
- Fines
- Jail time
- Probation
- Community service
- License suspension
- An Ignition Interlock Device (IID)
Facing OUI charges in Connecticut is hard enough, but facing OUI/DUI charges in Connecticut and another state is even harder and more complex. Do you need a DUI attorney in Connecticut to defend you at home? Absolutely, there’s no doubt about it.
To fully understand what you’re up against and to explore your legal defenses, contact our firm today. Let our expertise help you achieve the best possible outcome in your case.
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